West Sussex social worker pleads guilty to child sex offences

A former West Sussex social worker has been convicted of abusing his position and engaging in sexual communications with vulnerable children.

An investigation was launched on 3 March when sexual messages were found on a vulnerable teenage girl’s Snapchat account between her and a man later identified as Thomas Weller, 33, from Horsham.

The messages were sexual, and continued despite the girl telling Weller she was a child.

Weller also offered to buy her alcohol in exchange for sexual acts.

The investigation also found Weller had used his position to access personal data.

He was arrested on 24 March and further sexual communications were found with another teenage girl on his Snapchat account.

Weller was subsequently charged with two counts of sexual communication with a child and misconduct in public office.

He pleaded guilty to both counts of sexual communications at Lewes Crown Court on 5 July, and admitted the misconduct in public office at the same court on Wednesday (31 July).

He has been remanded in custody to appear at a court to be confirmed on 27 September for sentencing.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings: “Thomas Weller abused his position of trust and responsibility, and took advantage of vulnerable children.

“I would like to thank both the children involved and their families for reporting this to the police and supporting this investigation through to its conclusion.

“Thank you also to our partners in West Sussex County Council for their support and prompt action when Weller’s offending first came to light.

“Sussex Police is continuing to investigate whether Weller may have abused other victims. If you have any information that could help, please contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 297 of 31/07.”